City, feds investigate spending by Queens Library president

Laura Shin

Queens Central Library (Image via Google Maps)

The city's Department of Investigation and the FBI have launched an investigation into spending by Queens Library President Thomas Galante following reports that he improperly used funds to pay for lavish renovations at the library.

The New York Daily News reported on Wednesday that FBI and DOI agents appeared at the Queens Central Library in Jamaica on Friday and issued subpoenas to Galante and Frank Marino, the library's construction management consultant.

The probe comes after the News reported earlier this year that Galante spent $140,000 last year to renovate his office, which includes a private rooftop deck.

Galante, who reportedly earned a salary of $392,000 last year, also holds an undisclosed side job as a business consultant and has personal ties to Marino, according to the News.

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz has asked Mayor Bill de Blasio to suspend the library's ability to independently spend city capital funds on renovations.

Katz noted in her letter to de Blasio that more than $144 million has been given to the Queens Library over the past three years.